June is an amazing time to visit Key West. But what are the best things to do?
Weather
First off, let’s talk about weather. June is the sweet spot month. It’s past the cooler winter months and before the really hot summer months. Average temperatures are in the upper 80’s with the lows not usually falling below 80 degrees(Fahrenheit).
Best part, only about 7 days of rain for the month. But, don’t fret if you find yourself in town on a rainy day. Still lots and lots of stuff to do.
Rainy Day Activities in Key West
What to Wear
Well, we know that the dress code in Key West is…. casual. That’s why we love it so much, right? Plan to pack light. Bring shorts, tee shirts, or tank tops for comfort during the day. A fun sundress or tropical shirt and shorts for dinner and sunset. Bring flip-flops or sandals and comfy walking shoes to enjoy a morning walk. I think the best time to take a walk is early morning. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll down Duval Street. It’s peaceful and quiet.
More ideas on what to wear and what to pack for Key West
What to Do
Walk around and enjoy the tropical flowers. Did you know the Royal Poinciana trees will be in full bloom during June and July? Look for the beautiful red to orange flowers. Also, mangoes are ripe and ready to pick… which is why we have the Fruit (Mango) Festival this time of year.
June is Pride Month. Key West has an amazing celebration each year. It’s one of the best places to celebrate, Pride, Mangoes, and anything else!
Key West Pride
Presented by the Key West Business Guild, events showcase the diversity and welcoming atmosphere that makes the southernmost city a top vacation destination for LGBTQ visitors. The festival schedule typically includes pool parties at guesthouses and emporiums, drag shows by Key West’s top performers, nighttime soirees at local clubs, a burlesque-style show with an LGBTQ flair, and the lively “Rainbow Roast.”
But, that’s not all that is happening…
FRINGE THEATER PRESENTS: A FABULOUS EVENING WITH LILLIAN BAXTER
Hollywood’s favorite Has-Been returns to Key West. Lillian is a fictional character created by actor and writer John Vessels. Show tunes? You bet! Gay anthems? Why not! Fabulous costumes? Buckle in, glitter up, and spend A Fabulous Evening with Lillian Baxter. Doors open 6 p.m., and performances start 7 p.m. at the Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval Street
This five-day festival is to feature one-of-a-kind Stock Island-inspired activities and authentic immersive experiences in the local community, culture, and art. It’s a great way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with friends and family in the laidback atmosphere of Stock Island, just across the Cow Key Channel Bridge from Key West.
Embark on an adventurous swim – a 12.5 loop around the island with fantastic landscape views of Key West and swimming in the pristine waters. Compete in different categories of either a solo swimmer, solo swimmers with fins, a solo swimmer using a mermaid tail or a monofin or gather your friends and compete in the relay category of a 2-person, 3-person, 4-person, 5-person, or 6-person teams. Not interested in the full island swim? Try some of the smaller races offered, a 6.1-mile swim, a 2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim, or an 800-yard swim.
10TH ANNUAL VFW FISHING TOURNAMENT
A family fun tournament, this event is to award over $50,000 in total cash and prizes, including $5,000 for the heaviest dolphin among other awards for individual anglers and other species. A Super Prize of either a new Toyota Corolla or $20k in cash (winner’s choice) has also been added for 2022. Captains and anglers can choose to fish on either day of the two-day tournament. The 10th annual event is to celebrate the history of the tournament. All proceeds benefit disabled and needy veterans of Monroe County.
SUMMER SOLSTICE PLEIN AIR WITH SUSAN SUGAR
Artist Susan Sugar invites students to the beach for a five-session plein air watercolor workshop at dusk. Students will meet at Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park, 601 Howard England Way. Limited to 10 students, $300 pp. Register online. Presented by The Studios of Key West.
KEY WEST JUNETEENTH CARNIVAL
From noon to 7 p.m., events include a Juneteenth ceremony at the African Cemetery, live music starting at 1 p.m., Caribbean and Afro-American food with BBQ and special cocktails, and more. The Caribbean Carnival Parade through the streets of Key West is to begin about 6 p.m. and end at the stairs of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Event is to be staged at Higgs Beach African Cemetery, located between 1074-1094 Atlantic Blvd. June 18, 2022
TRUMAN’S TROPICAL FRUIT FESTIVAL
Explore the juicy truth about tropical fruits. The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation welcomes locals and visitors of all ages, to be held on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be offerings from local vendors, food, beverages, and cocktails available for purchase, and fun activities for the kids to enjoy on the spacious Little White House lawns.
FIFTH ANNUAL MANGO FEST KEY WEST
Experience all things Mango through shopping, education, and demonstrations. Stroll virtually through a vendor village (think street fair), enter a poetry contest, and photo contest, see virtual culinary and cocktail demos, and more. Details to come for the 2022 event.
Welcome to the Key Lime Festival: America’s Favorite Citrus Celebration! In the Florida Keys, we like to celebrate the things that make our islands unique. Citrus, eccentrics, people & pie. Our celebrations are fun, odd & unforgettable. Our people are too. Come on down to the birthplace of Key Lime Pie for a little taste and you’ll see what we mean. Love & Limes!
More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multi-month tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15), and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. All participating anglers receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for a variety of prizes.
Key West Bicentennial Exhibit at The Custom House Museum
Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes the public to view the ‘Key West 200’ exhibit at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. The exhibit is to highlight Key West’s people, culture, and community beginning with the settlers and government officials who arrived on this remote island in early 1822, featuring rarely displayed artifacts. Divided by decade, the exhibit emphasizes many of the significant moments and people that have influenced so much of what we celebrate today.
2022 Art in the Garden at Key West Tropical Forest
The Garden is located 5210 College Road on Stock Island, just over Cow Key Bridge, and is open every day 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meander over garden boardwalks and down pathways through dappled shade, colorful blossoms, and winged creatures of nature and spot…sculpture! Emphasizing harmony with nature, the return of ‘Art in the Garden’ showcases local art & sculptures with artistic expressions. These works are earth-friendly in the selection of materials and themes and include recycled, repurposed, and natural material.
The summer group exhibition is a celebration of the creativity all around us, as our family of artist members share the fruits of their labors (mango-inspired or otherwise), with something for every taste. Exhibition at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.
What’s Happening Up the Keys
Third Thursday Morada Way Art Walk
Enjoy a relaxing evening from 6-9 p.m. perusing local fine art, imbibing local craft beer and wine, listening to music, and seeing your favorite people! MWACD is a non-profit in the heart of Islamorada, between mile markers 81 and 82, with Morada Way Clay, Jessica Ann Art, Rum Brush, Limelight Studio/Gallery and other partners! Check out Art Walk the third Thursday of each month.
No matter when you visit Key West, you will have a great time. Not looking for an organized event? Just want to relax, enjoy the tropical vibes, a gorgeous sunset? The month of June is still an amazing time to visit. Spend time at Smather’s Beach, or simply enjoy some live music on Duval.
